Research Question: Where does school uniform funding come from? Contributed by: Dominique Boudreau
School uniforms; more students are dressing for success
This article sheds light on the effects of school uniforms not only in the classroom, but in a parents wallet as well. Sure, wearing a uniform to school levels the playing field for children to interact but how will this effect a child outside of the classroom? It is the initial cost of uniforms that shock parents, but over the course of the school year it is most "cost effective." Dressing a child can be as low as $100 to $150 a year. Most schools that mandate uniforms also offer financial assistance from the "budgetary allowances," or even recycle uniforms for families.
The unknown author of this article failed to consider what the kids will be wearing outside of school. Surely, little Kenny's mother will not let him play out in the yard with his tan khaki pants on. That is just asking for trouble. What will the children wear on the weekends and during holidays? It seems to be another wardrobe the family must supply for their child.
My struggle to buy school uniforms [Opinion]
Pat Thomas from the UK explains to BBC how she struggles to dress her grandchildren in the proper clothing to keep the children from being considered outcasts by not dressing properly. Elementary school uniforms are less expensive than high school uniforms because the high school requires a student to also have a "gym kit." When her son started high school, his uniform came to £134.72 which is over $260. Thomas received a voucher for £30 per child every two years, but as you can see, that barely puts a dent in how much is being spent keeping in mind how fast children grow. Even though Thomas is struggling to dress her children, she believes uniforms are what put "everyone on the same level" and makes children unable to call someone else different.
Uniforms are a great "leveller" for children, so they cannot classify themselves as a higher or lower class than someone else, but the struggle to pay for them for Pat Thomas is an unfair hunt. She is forced to bargain shop since the stipend she is given from the city council is not nearly enough to cover the expensesr. Although, Thomas did choose this school for her grandchildren because she did not want them to attend a non-uniform school since she was afraid of how it would affect the children.
Cathedral School takes uniform approach for dress code
A survey was taken, and 65 percent of parents of Cathedral School were in favor of enforcing uniforms. From there a committee was created by a few mothers and a local vendor was chosen. Parents are allowed to shop outside that one vendor, as long as they meet the school requirements of labels, color, and length. The 35 percent who were initially against uniforms eventually decided it it was not so bad, and have given no complaints so far. The initial cost for uniforms may be shocking "but in the end costs less," also children can wear the same clothes the following year (assuming they still fit properly).
The majority families who are ready to jump on the uniform band wagon are most likely of middle to upper class, and do not have to worry about how much they will be spending this year on uniforms. The minority who were initially against uniforms probably first reacted something like, "How on earth am I supposed to pay for all this?" This is an understandable since the price tag can potentially be high, but what we really need to ask parents is this. Is the price worth the ease of getting ready in the morning, uniformity, and possibly doing better in school?
School Uniforms: A Qualitative Analysis of Aims and Accomplishments of Two Christian Schools
This article explains how parents should be involved from the beginning "for successful implementation of new school uniform codes." The objective of implementing this uniform policy was to eliminate unhealthy competition, teaching children to dress appropriately, have less distractions in the classroom, and "lower the costs of clothing children during school hours." A secretary interviewed even made note of the lack of brand name clothing made it easier for a "standard clothing pattern" to be passed down as hand-me-downs. Although there were a few people from the Midwest who were not fond of the idea of uniforms, because they merely added to their "financial burden." Parents also accused the schools as this being an outlet for creating more revenue for the school. There were still parents who shopped around to find the best deals though.
Still, there are those who want the uniforms but just do not want to be the ones to pay for it. This article shows there will always be someone who will never be completely satisfied with the opportunities given. The parents who did speak up have a point though, why should they have to pay if it is a mandatory dress code?
Uniform Business Gears Up to Supply Public-School Children
In 1998, the New York City Board of Education started a uniform policy for elementary school children, which obviously increases local businesses. They are giving leeway to parents and recommending various vendors and giving them options. The school is also wanting them to get the most for their money, and becoming "savvy shoppers" by taking advantage of discounts and layaways. School officials realize that some parents will have difficulty coming up with the money, but this is why the initially voluntary uniform program has stuck in low-income neighborhoods and turned mandatory.
The school district seems understanding enough of the low-income families who live in the city and gave them the option of having their children wear uniforms, until the fall of 1999 where they became mandatory. This district-wide program has local businesses competing for the most business, which means getting the best deals as a customer (parents).
Contributed by: Dominique Boudreau
School uniforms; more students are dressing for success
This article sheds light on the effects of school uniforms not only in the classroom, but in a parents wallet as well. Sure, wearing a uniform to school levels the playing field for children to interact but how will this effect a child outside of the classroom? It is the initial cost of uniforms that shock parents, but over the course of the school year it is most "cost effective." Dressing a child can be as low as $100 to $150 a year. Most schools that mandate uniforms also offer financial assistance from the "budgetary allowances," or even recycle uniforms for families.
The unknown author of this article failed to consider what the kids will be wearing outside of school. Surely, little Kenny's mother will not let him play out in the yard with his tan khaki pants on. That is just asking for trouble. What will the children wear on the weekends and during holidays? It seems to be another wardrobe the family must supply for their child.
(2005, October 4). School uniforms; more students are dressing for success. East Bay RI, Retrieved November 25, 2007, from http://www.eastbayri.com/story/321003200576938.php
My struggle to buy school uniforms [Opinion]
Pat Thomas from the UK explains to BBC how she struggles to dress her grandchildren in the proper clothing to keep the children from being considered outcasts by not dressing properly. Elementary school uniforms are less expensive than high school uniforms because the high school requires a student to also have a "gym kit." When her son started high school, his uniform came to £134.72 which is over $260. Thomas received a voucher for £30 per child every two years, but as you can see, that barely puts a dent in how much is being spent keeping in mind how fast children grow. Even though Thomas is struggling to dress her children, she believes uniforms are what put "everyone on the same level" and makes children unable to call someone else different.
Uniforms are a great "leveller" for children, so they cannot classify themselves as a higher or lower class than someone else, but the struggle to pay for them for Pat Thomas is an unfair hunt. She is forced to bargain shop since the stipend she is given from the city council is not nearly enough to cover the expensesr. Although, Thomas did choose this school for her grandchildren because she did not want them to attend a non-uniform school since she was afraid of how it would affect the children.
(2002, February 27). 'My struggle to buy school uniforms'. Retrieved November 25, 2007, from BBC News World Edition Web site: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/1842015.stm
Cathedral School takes uniform approach for dress code
A survey was taken, and 65 percent of parents of Cathedral School were in favor of enforcing uniforms. From there a committee was created by a few mothers and a local vendor was chosen. Parents are allowed to shop outside that one vendor, as long as they meet the school requirements of labels, color, and length. The 35 percent who were initially against uniforms eventually decided it it was not so bad, and have given no complaints so far. The initial cost for uniforms may be shocking "but in the end costs less," also children can wear the same clothes the following year (assuming they still fit properly).
The majority families who are ready to jump on the uniform band wagon are most likely of middle to upper class, and do not have to worry about how much they will be spending this year on uniforms. The minority who were initially against uniforms probably first reacted something like, "How on earth am I supposed to pay for all this?" This is an understandable since the price tag can potentially be high, but what we really need to ask parents is this. Is the price worth the ease of getting ready in the morning, uniformity, and possibly doing better in school?
Miller, Julie A. (2000). Catholic Herald. Retrieved November 25, 2007, from Cathedral School takes uniform approach for dress code
Web site: http://www.catholicherald.org/archives/articles/uniforms.html
School Uniforms: A Qualitative Analysis of Aims and Accomplishments of Two Christian Schools
This article explains how parents should be involved from the beginning "for successful implementation of new school uniform codes." The objective of implementing this uniform policy was to eliminate unhealthy competition, teaching children to dress appropriately, have less distractions in the classroom, and "lower the costs of clothing children during school hours." A secretary interviewed even made note of the lack of brand name clothing made it easier for a "standard clothing pattern" to be passed down as hand-me-downs. Although there were a few people from the Midwest who were not fond of the idea of uniforms, because they merely added to their "financial burden." Parents also accused the schools as this being an outlet for creating more revenue for the school. There were still parents who shopped around to find the best deals though.
Still, there are those who want the uniforms but just do not want to be the ones to pay for it. This article shows there will always be someone who will never be completely satisfied with the opportunities given. The parents who did speak up have a point though, why should they have to pay if it is a mandatory dress code?
Firmin, Michael (2006). School Uniforms: A Qualitative Analysis of Aims and Accomplishments of Two Christian Schools. The Dayton Agenda, 15, Retrieved November 25, 2007, from http://0-web.ebscohost.com.helin.uri.edu/ehost/pdf?vid=5&hid=108&sid=ba5cb4d9-3e94-41f1-ae0a-b05974a932c6%40sessionmgr108
Uniform Business Gears Up to Supply Public-School Children
In 1998, the New York City Board of Education started a uniform policy for elementary school children, which obviously increases local businesses. They are giving leeway to parents and recommending various vendors and giving them options. The school is also wanting them to get the most for their money, and becoming "savvy shoppers" by taking advantage of discounts and layaways. School officials realize that some parents will have difficulty coming up with the money, but this is why the initially voluntary uniform program has stuck in low-income neighborhoods and turned mandatory.
The school district seems understanding enough of the low-income families who live in the city and gave them the option of having their children wear uniforms, until the fall of 1999 where they became mandatory. This district-wide program has local businesses competing for the most business, which means getting the best deals as a customer (parents).
Foderaro, Lisa W. (1998, March 21). Uniform Business Gears Up to Supply Public-School Children. The New York Times, Retrieved November 25, 2007, from http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9503E5DC1438F932A15750C0A96E958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=2
EDC 102 Fnl Prj Part I Eval - Domonique]